Beyond the Desk: Time Management Isn’t Just Scheduling — It’s Strategy ⏱️

One of the biggest misconceptions in the workplace? That grinding longer hours equals better results. The truth is, your brain doesn’t work that way.

According to research published in the journal Cognitive Science, our ability to focus sharply declines after 60-90 minutes of deep work. The law of diminishing returns kicks in, the longer we try to power through, the more distracted, inefficient, and frankly frustrated we become.

And let’s clear up another myth: multitasking. I've tried it many times and it simply doesn’t work, at least not the way we think. Definitely not my field of expertise, but neuroscience has shown the brain can’t focus on more than one cognitive task at a time. What we call multitasking is actually "task switching," and it comes at a cognitive cost every time we jump between tasks (American Psychological Association).

Instead of burning out, try what my client Ray Garrison at Upstate Manufacturing does:

🧘‍♂️ Short breaks every couple of hours — even a quick reset clears mental clutter.

🏋️‍♂️ Midday workouts — Ray might hit the weights or go for a walk, then comes back sharper and more focused.

😴 Proper sleep and disconnecting at night — Productivity starts with recovery. Sleep literally clears toxins from your brain (National Institute of Neurological Disorders).

Think about time like a long par 5 in golf. You’re not reaching the green with one swing. But break it down:

🏌️‍♂️ 225-yard drive

🏌️‍♂️ 175-yard second shot

🏌️‍♂️ 100-yard approach And now you’re putting for birdie 😎

Work is the same. Break big tasks into intentional segments. Take care of your mind like an athlete takes care of their body - reset and come back swinging.

Let’s stop chasing the illusion of hustle and start managing our time like pros. Your brain will thank you, and you will see better results.